MOISES "MOE" CASTILLO

MOISES "MOE" CASTILLO EDINBURG - Moises "Moe" Castillo, 81, went to be with the Lord Friday, November 30, 2012, surrounded by his loving family at his ranch. Mr. Castillo was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving during the Korean War as a navigator with the Navy Airdales VR-23. He also flew the admiral during the Peace Treaty and was a member of their boxing team. Moe was an entrepreneur; he and his wife Lydia owned and operated Real Loan Co. in Edinburg for 35 years. He also owned "Lonesome Dove Ranch" where he could always be found in the midst of his cattle. His early years he lived in Los Angeles where he worked with McDonald Douglas Aircraft. Moe also gave acting a try and had a few small parts in several western movies. He pursued his love of music by playing at various venues in the L.A. area. Mr. Castillo later moved to Edinburg where he purchased the property where his family has lived in to this day. Moe built with his own hands two separate family homes. Several of his many talents included: painting art, construction, and woodcarving. Although Moe was a man of many talents, he had a passion for playing the flamenco and classical guitar which he learned without any instruction at the age of eight. He accompanied the flamenco dancers at The University of Texas Pan American in the 80's. Mr. Castillo also played and accompanied the famed flamenco dancer Jose Greco; and the legendary leader of Los Tres Reyes. He was the lead guitarist in a local group in Edinburg playing alongside of Hector De La Garza, Ciro Trevino, Sr., Jim Wilson, Pat Croft, and Alfonso Ramirez. Mr. Castillo was an extremely hard working man. He traveled extensively and was blessed to have adventured through Japan, Spain, South Africa, Italy, Austria, Israel, Hawaii, and the many regions of Mexico. Moe is preceded in death by his parents, Celedonio and Manuela Castillo. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lydia Silva Castillo; five children, Norma (Jim) Daniel, Mike (Norma) Castillo, Cindy (Danny) Diaz, Vivian (Ray) Villarreal, and Karen (Cesar) Barriero; 15 grandchildren; one great - grandchild; two brothers; and one sister. A prayer service was held Saturday, December 1, 2012, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. today, December 2, 2012, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Lonesome Dove Cemetery in Edinburg. Military honors will be conducted by Sgt. Benito Alaniz VFW Post 7473 of Elsa. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg. Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries